Signal for vehicles



May 1, 1923. Re. 15,594

T. B. POWERS S IGNAL FOR VEHI GLES Original Filed Aug. 11', 1919 2 Shets-Shee: 1

ATTORNEYS May 1, 1923.

T. B. POWERS SIGNAL FOR VEHICLES Original Filed Aug. 11, 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 MW mm a mo M MP m a m, M a] ,M w T BY ,W,

Reissued May 1, 1923.

TIMOTHY B. POWERS, OF BROOKLYN, NEW

YORK, ASSIGNOR, B-Y'MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

T0 TUB-N-O-STOIP MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, INC., OF NEW YORK, Y'., A

GOBPGBATION OF" NEW YORK.

SIGNAL FOR VEHICLES.

Qr'lginal:No..1,334,04Z, dated- March- 16,1920, Serial No. 316,604, filed August 11, 15-19. Application {or reissue filed May 28, 1921.

To. all u; [tom it may concern Beit known that I, TIMOTHY 13-. Pownns, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county ofv Kings and. State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signals for Vehicles, of which. the following is a specification.

This invention. relates to. signaling devices, and more particularly. to. such. devices as. are suitable for usein indicating the intention of a vehicle driver to change the progress of his vehicle, as by turning to. the right or left, or altering its speed. as by slowing down or stopping; The devices. of the invention are primarily intendedto be mounted at the rear of a vehicle. to. attract. the attention of those following, but may also be mounted to indicate to one in. front of the vehicle, such as a trafiie officer, the drivers intent- The principal object of the invention is to provide a signaling device which will be effective both by day and by. night to visually attract. attention and indicate the impending course of ,a vehicle, which device may comprise a casing, two. or more plates hingedly carried by the casing. and normally folded or closed to; torm a dihedral angle. to close the open side of the casing and: to conceal a light supported adjacent the casing, together with means for unfolding or swinging the plates to open or signaling position whereby the light is exposed. and the plates illuminated thereby.

Another object of the invention is to. provide, in. such a signaling apparatus, a catch mechanism to normally hold the plates in closed position. I secure against accidental opening and against tampering, and means for releasing the catch mechanism to allow the plates. to be unfolded to expose the open side of the casing, also means for limiting such unfolding movement of the plates.

A further object of this invention is to provide in connection with a pair of signal devices, located, on opposite sides of a vehicle, controlling means whereby the operationo-f a single. member will serve to actuate either one. of. the signals, at the will of the driver, or by a different movement will serve Serial N 473,385.

' also to illuminate the road. atthe rear-,- when backing.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in. connection with a visual signal of the type referred to an audible signal, and means for operating the audible signal when the visual signal is operated.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment of my invention, Figure 1 shows in outline the rear of a motor vehicle, with a signal device on each side.

Fig, 2 is a side elevation. indicating one signal device, and the control.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the circuits, from the switch to the two signal devices.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show the switch control.

Fig. 7 is a. front view of one signaldevice in. the open position.

Fig. 8 is a plan view.

Fig. 9 is a plan view with the top plate broken off.

Each of the signal devices, which are sub.- stantially identical, comprises stationary weather resisting or exterior enclosing elements including a casing or frame denoted generally by 2, a circular base 3, and a circular cover plate 66 which maybe mounted on a semi-circular top plate a secured to the casing 2; the members and 4: constituting end walls in contradistinction. to. the member 2 which constitutes a side wall.

A brace plate 5 is secured at the intermediate part of the casing, and may be of suitableinsulating material, such as. wood or fiber, and serves to suppo-lt a lamp base for carrying a, small e ectric lamp 7. extending forward. This plate also. serves to carry'terminals for the electric members.

A jointed signal nptember is attached to the casing, shown in the form of a plate 8 hinged at 9 to. one side of the casing 2.. A second plate 10 is hinged at 11 to the outer free edge of the plate 8. These two plates are adapted to. be swung from position projecting outwardly in alinement and parallel with the two: vertical edges of the casing 2 to a folded or angular position in which they forln a. dihedral angle Within which the lamp is. included, and practical-3y close; the exposed. front cf the casing as indicated" in .Fig. 9. The plates 8 andlO thus constitute movable enclosing elements cooperating with the stationary enclosing eleexposed, but these plates will be illuminated by this light. It is to be understood that any suitable legend may be inscribed on these plates such as the words, Look Out, or Turn.

Suitable means are provided for quickly shifting the signal plates from the closed position to the open position. As shown I provide electro-magnetic means which may be actuated from the usual storage batteryor other source of current on the vehicle. From the top plate 4, I suspend a pair of field magnets 12 and 13 having pole pieces 14, 15. An armature l6 swings on a pivot 17 on a brass plate 68 on the magnets. A link 19 connects the armature arm 70 with the swinging plate 8, which is so arranged that the armature is in a position transverse to the field when the plate 8 is in the closed position, and on energizing the magnets, the armature will be drawn to a position parallel with the field, which will swing the plate 8 to the open position projecting beyond the casing, as indicated in. Fig. 7. Such swing ing movement is limited by the'abutment of the link 19 against the inner hinged edge of The outer swinging plate 10 connects with the casing by a link2l, that will cause the plate 10 to project outwardly from the plate 8 in the open position, and when the plate 8 is swung in toward the casing, this link will swing the plate 10 on the plate 8, and cause it to assume an angular position relative to the plate 8 adjacent the casing, the plates 8 and 10 thus forming, a dihedral angle to close the open front side of the casing.

I may also providea third. plate hinged to the outer edge of the swinging plate 10 of much smaller size than the other plates.

I These plates may have the representation of a hand 51 painted thereon, as indicated in i Fig. 7. A link 52 has one end pivoted. at

53 to the plate 8, the other end of this link being pivoted to a lug 54 on the third plate 50. By this means when the plates 8 and 10 are swung inwardly. by the armature, the plate 50 will also, swing inwardly to the position indicated in Fig. 9, the link 52 causing this third plate to swing in and out, as shown, It will be observed from Fig. 9

' that when the plates swing inwardly they and be enclosed by the front margins of the top and bottom members 66 and' 3 which keep out the weather, as shown. The casing 2 is given an extension 55 that will project a short distance beyond'the hinge of the third plate, see Fig. 9. This would prevent persons from engaging the hinge portion and trying to pull the plates outward.

I further provide locking means to prevent the plates being opened from the closed position, except on operation of the armature by the magnets. The arm onthe armature is provided with a stud or latch member 56 that projects through a slot 57 in the link 19. A coil spring 58 connects this stud 56 with the extremity of the link 19, see Fig. 7 and serves to hold the stud at one end of the slot, as shown. A catch plate 59 is secured to the swinging plate 8, and in the closed position is engaged by the stud 56 as shown in Fig. 9. This will prevent the plate 8 from swinging outwardly, but when the armature first swings the stud 56 will shift in the slot in the link 19, against the force of the spring 58. This will release the catch 59, and when the stud reaches the other end of this slot, it will shift thelink 19 to swing the plates to the open position.

The catch will automatically reengage by its beveled end when the spring 20 returns the platesto the closed position.

It is customaryin such devices to provide an audible signal. For this purpose I prefer to employ one of the exterior weather resisting and enclosing elements as a resonant member to be struck by a hammer or clapper for the production of such audible signal, thereby obviating the former practice of providing a separate bell element. As shown, a hammer 60 with spring 69 swings on a pivot 61 and a lug 62 is engaged by a spring pawl '63 mounted on the upper extension of the shaft 64 of the armature. As

the armature is swung to open the plates,

the spring pawl 63 will trip the hammer 60, that will strike a lug 65 on the resonant cover plate 66 on top of the casing 2. But if preferred an electric bell 67may be arranged in the casing in circuit with the magnets 12 and 13 that will be operated when the magnets are energized.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, I preferably locate one of these signal devices, as set forth, on each of the rear mud guards. 23, 24, and the jointed signal member is arranged to swing outwardly from the side of the vehicle. as indicated. But obviously these may be placed in any other position on the vehicle, and a pair could be placed at the front at each side" to indicate to the traflic' officer the driver desired to turn.

I further provide a control device for operating either one, or both of the signal members, 2 or 2", shown in the form of a switch direction in which the with the current supply at '31.

25, comprising a lever or arm 26 extending from a ball 27. This ball ismounted in cup portions of arms 28 and 29 to have a universal movement therein; which arms connect with one wire 30 from a sourceof cur rent or battery .31; fhe lever '26 carries a terminal pin 32 that when the lever is swung to one side, will\engage a terminal plate On the opposite .side the switch lever carriesa terminal pin 34, thatwhen the lever is swung in this direction, will engage a terminal plate 35. These terminals 33 and 35 connect respectively-with the signal members 2, and 2", that is:wi th their.

electro-magnets, by wires 36 and 37. ires 38 and 39 lead from the two signal members back to the battery at 31.

A third terminal plate 40 is connected with the said terminal 33; and another terminal 41 is connected with the .said termi nal plate 35, and these two plates are arranged adjacent but out of contact. They are so positioned as to be enga' 'gediby a terminal pin 42 on the switch lever 26 when the lever is swung in a third direction. This will'bridge these terminals 40 and 41, and therefore cause the electro-magnets in both of the signal devices 2 and'2 to be in circuit Therefore both of the signal devices will operate, and

the vehicles at the rear will understand that i this vehicle intends to reduce speed, or stop.

It will be understood that each of the signal devicesis provided with a light,and that this form of'switch in one position will cause both lamps to be lighted. This serves a special purpose of illuminating the road at night when it is desired to back the vehicle,

and the use of both lamps is very effective for this purpose.

What I claim is 11. In a signaling apparatus, a casing, a platehinged to one side of the casing, an actuating member connected with the plate to cause it to swing out of the casing andto retract it, a plate hinged to the outer edge of said plate, a link pivoted between the second plate and the casing, whereby when the first plate is swung outward the second plate will swing outward to a position in alinement with the first plate, and when the first late is swung back to the casing the secon plate will be swung to a position adjacent the casing, and a lamp on the front of the casing'normally surrounded and obscured by the two plates but exposed when the plates are swung outward into alinement.

2. In a signaling apparatus, a casing, a

platefhinged to one side of the casing, an

actuating member connected with the plate to causeitto swing out of the casing and to retract-it, a plate hinged to the outer edge of sald plate, a link-pivotedbetween the second plate and the c asing,whereby when'the first plate is swung outward the second plate will swing outward .to' a-position in alinement with the first plate, and when the first .plate is swung backJto-zthe casing the sec- .o'nd plate will :be swung to a'position adjacent :the casing, and a lamp on the front of the casing normally surroundedand obscured by the two plates but exposed when the,

platesare swung outward into alinement in which'exposed position the plates are illuminated by the lamp. I

3. In a signaling apparatus,v a casing, :a plate hinged to one side of the casing,-an' actuating member connected with the plate to cause it to swing out of the casing and to retract it, a plate hinged'to the outer edge of said plate, a link pivoted between the second plate and the casing, whereby when the first plate is swung outward the second plate will swing outward to a position in'alinement with the first plate, and when the first plate is swung back to the casing the second plate will be swung to a position adjacent the caslng; i

4.'In a signaling apparatus, a casing, a.

plate hinged to one side of the casing, a second plate hinged to the outer edgeof said plate, an electro-magnet in-the casing, an armature arranged to swing in the field of the magnet, a link connecting the armature with the first plate arranged to swing the plate outward, a spring arranged to retract the armature and said plates, and a link pivoted between the second plate and the casing whereby when the first plate is swung out,

a casing, a

casing, an

iio

whereby'when the'first plate is swung outward the second plate willbe swung out-' ward to a position in alinement with the first plate, and when the first plate is swung back to the casing the second plate will be swung 'to a position adjacent thecasing, and a catch to lockthe plates at the casing that is released by the actuating means.

6. In a signaling apparatus, a casing, a

lamp projecting from the casing, a plate hinged to one side of the casingto swing out from the casing ject outwardly and can fold inwardly to'conceal said "lamp, an electro-magnet inthe casing, an armature for said magnet,an arm fast .on said armature, a pin on said arm, a

link pivoted to said plate and'ha'ving a slot at'which-portion it engages said'pin, whereiis' whereby said plate canproby when the armature moves it will first have the pin travel free in the link slot and thereupon will'shift the link to swing the said plate, and a catch on: said plate engaging said pin untilthe-arm. moves the pin in said link slot' to normally lock the plate in closed position. v

7'.ZIn a signaling apparatus, a'casing, a

plate hinged to one side of the casing, a'sec- 0nd :plate hinged to the :outer portion. of

i said plate, an electromagnet in the casing, an armature arranged to swing 1n the field a position adjacentthe casing,a-bell, and

a hammer engaged by the armature to, be

tripped when the plates areswung thereby.

8. In a signaling device, a casing, a plate hinged to oneside-of the casing, a second plate hinged to the outer edge of said plate,

third platehing'ed to the outereclge of; the

second plate, actuating means connected with thefirst plate to swing it toward and from the casing, a link pivoted between the second "plate and, the casing, and a link pivoted between the thirdplate and the first plate, whereby when; the first plate isswung outward the other two plates will be swung outward into alinement therewith,1and when therfirst plate is swung'in toward the casing the said other two plates will swing inward adjacent the-casing. J

In a signalingdevice, a casing, a plate hinged to one side of the casing, a second plate hinged to the outer edge of said plate, a third plate hinged tothe outer edge of the second plate, a lamp on the-casing, actuating means connected with the first plate to swing it toward and from the casing, a link pivoted between the second plate and -the casing, and a link pivoted between the third plate and the first plate, whereby when the first plate is swung outward the other two plates will be swung outward into alinement therewith, and when the first plate is swung in toward the casing the said other two plates will swing inward and serve to surround a nd conceal the lamp.

.10. In a signaling device,a casinga plate hinged to one side of the casing, a second plate hinged to the outer-edge of said plate, a third plate hingedito the outer edge of the second plate, an electro-magnet connected withthe first plate to swing it, out from the casing, a: spring arranged to swing the-plate i in'adjacent-the casing, a link pivoted between.v the second plate and .the casing,- and p second plate, a lamp on the casing, an electro-magnet connected with the first plate to swing it out from the casing, a spring arranged to swingthe plate in adjacent the casing, a link pivoted between the second plate and thecasing, and a link pivoted between the third plate and the first plate,

whereby" when the first plate is swung outward the other two'plates will be swung outward into alinement therewith,and when the first plate is swung in toward the easing by the spring the said other two plates will swing inward andserve to "surround and conceal the lamp. j

12. In a, signal device, a casing provided with a cover plate and a bottom plate that both extend forwardly beyond said casing, azlamp projecting from the casing, a plate hinged to'one side of the casing, a plate hinged to the outer edge of said plate, and

mechanism connected to the plateswhereby they may swing outwardly into alinement and swing inwardly to a position angular to said casing around said lamp, in which latter position'said cover and bottom plate ex tensions project beyond and protect the top and bottom edges of said two swinging plates and inclose the lamp.

13. In a signal device, a casing provided with a cover plateand a bottom plate that both extend forwardly beyond said casing, a lamp projecting from the casing, a plate hinged to one side of the casing, a plate hinged to the outeredge of said plate, and mechanism connected to the plates whereby they may swing outwardly into' alinement and swing inwardly to a position angular to said casing to conceal saidlamp, in which latter position said cover and bottom plate extensions project beyond and protect the top and bottom edges of said two swinging plates and inclose the lamp.the free edge of said outer swinging plate inthe folded position being located inside of one edge of I the casing.

14. In a signal apparatus, a casing, a signal plate pivotally mounted along one edge of the casing, an actuating mechanism within the casing including a link connected with the plate, said link abutting the pivotal mounting of the signal plate to limit the opening movement of the signal plate.

15. In a signal apparatus, a casing, a signal plate pivotally r mounted adjacent one edge of the casing, anelectrom agnet Within the casing, an-armature fortheelectro-magnet, and a link connected at one end with the armature ,and at the other end .with the plate,isaid,-link abutting the pivotal mount armature through a lost-.motion connection and at the other end with the plate, said link.

abutting the pivotal mounting of the signal plate 'to limit the-opening Inovement o'f the signal plate" and being held against the same when the magnet is energized, a spring to draw the signal plate to closed position. and a catch mechanism for holding thepla-te5in 'closed position,the catch'being-released during the take-up of the lost-motion connection; i 1

17. In a signal apparatus, a casinghaving a-shect-metal side wall prov'ided with vertical edges and having sheet-metal end walls, :1signalplate=pivotally mountedat one edge alongside an edge of-aside wall otthecas ing, a second plate pivotallymounted on the first plate at'the opposite edge thereoL-and means interconnecting the two plates and the casing whereby actuation of the first plate toward closed position brings the outer edge of the second plate to a position adjacentthe otheredge of the'casing.

18. Ina signalapparatus, a casing having sheet-metal side walls provided with vertical edges and having sheet+metal end walls, asignal plate pivotallymounted at oneredge alongside an edge of aside wallofthe casing, asecond plate pivotally mounted onthe first plate at the opposite edge thereof, and means interconnecting the two plates and the casing whereby actuation of the first plate'towardclosed posi-tionbrings the outer edge of-thesecond plate to a position adjacentthe other edge of thecasing, said means including an actuating .mechanism within the casing, and alink conn'ectedto the actuating mechanism'and to the first plate, said link abutting the pivotal [mounting of the firstplate'Whenthefirstplate is in open'po sition, v 19. In a signal appar'atus,.a casing having sheet-metal side walls provided with vertical edgeswandha'ving sheet+metalend walls, a signalplate;pivotallymountedat one edge alongsideanedge of aside wall of the easing, a'--second plate pivotallyzmounted on the first plate. at-the opposite edgethereof, and means interconnecting the two-plates and the'casi'ng whereby actuation of the first platetoward closed position brings the outer edge of the second-plate to-a .;position adjacentthe'otheredge of the casing said means including an actuating mechanism wlthln the casing, a link connected to the actuating mechanism and to the first plate, said link abutting the pivotal mounting of thefirst plate when'the first plate is in open position, a projecting element on one of the end walls of the casing, and a link pivoted to this element and to the second plate.

20. In. a signal apparatus, an open sided casing, a pair of plates hingedly associated withthe casing and mounted tohave an open position and a closedposition in which they form a dihedral angle to close the open side of the casingflneans for swingingtheplates from closed to openposition, and aica-tch mechanism comprising a memher'mounted I on said swinging means and .a cooperating membermounted for movement withonenof said plates to lock-the platesin closed position, said swinging means including mechanism for releasing-the catch on the initial movement of the swinging means.

21. Ina signal apparatus, an openg sided casing, a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing and mounted to have an openrposition and a .closedposition in which they form 'adihedral-angle'to close the open Si'flOOff the casing, means -for swingingthe plates from closedtoopen position, a latchmember carried by said =means, and ,a I catch mounted-on one of said plates and engageable with said latch-member toJoek said plates when inclosed -,position,.said swinging means including mechanism for releasin the ca'tch on,-the initial movementof the swinging means. a

22. In ,a signal-;apparatus,.- a casing, a air of plates hingedly associated with the casing and mounted to haveian open.-.position;and a closed position in which they :form a. dihedral angle to close the open side of-the casing, means forswingingthe plates from closed to open position,va'latchsmemher carried by said'means, and a catch mounted on one of said plates and-engageablewith said latch-member to lock said plates when in closed position, said-swinging means'including a lost-motion device whereby the-catch is disengaged from 3 the -latch-memb.er :during. the initial movement of said swinging means. i i

23. In a signal'apparatus, a casing, a pair of plates hingedly assooiatedwiththe easing.

and mounted tohaveian open position and-I a closed position in which they *form aidiarmature-lever @for said magnet to actuate said link-mechanism, a latch-member, carried by said armature-lever, and i a catch mounted On one of said plates .and :engageahle with said latch-member to lock said plates in closed position, said armature-lever being operated by said magnet to disengage said latch-member and catch to permit actuation of said link-mechanism whensaid magnet is energized.

24. In a vehicle signal, in combination, a lamp, a number of stationary exterior enclosing elements one of Which is of resonant material, a number of cooperating movable visual signaling and enclosing. elements,-

means' whereby the latter mentioned elements are movably mounted relative to the casing to have signaling "and enclosing positions, said stationary enclosing elements and said movable enclosing elements when in the enclosing position housing the lamp,

, a clapper to strike said resonant stationary enclosing element, and means located within the housing which said enclosing elements constitute for operating said clapper-to produce an audible signal.

25. In a vehicle signal, in combination, a lamp, a number of enclosing elements one of which is of resonant material, a number of cooperating movable visual signaling elements, means whereby the latter mentioned elements are movably mounted relative 'to the casing to'ha-ve signaling and enclosing positions, said stationary enclosing elements and said movable enclosing elements when in the enclosing position housing the lamp,

a clapper to strike said resonant enclosing positions, said stationary enclosing elements and said movable enclosing elements when in the enclosing position housing the lamp, a clapper to strike said resonant enclosing element to produce an audible signal, and electro-magnetic means located within the housing which said enclosing elements constitute for (simultaneously) moving said visual signaling elements to signaling position and actuating said clapper. j

27. In a signal apparatus, a casing having a semi-cylindrical side wall andcircular end walls, the edges of the end walls fitting the respective ends of the side walls where- .by semi-circular portions of the end walls project beyond the side walls, plates hingedly associated with the side wall, and means whereby said plates are positioned to constitute a closurefor the casing When in one position, and-When in another position a semaphore signal. r I

28. In 'a signal apparatus, a'casing. having side Walls provided with an opening, a-

plate hingedly mounted adj acent one of the edges of the opening, and means to swing theplate into extended signaling position, said means comprising an electro-magnet, an armature in the magnetic field, a' projecting arm on the armature, a link connected near one end to the armature through a lost-motion connection and at the other end pivotally connected to the plate, and a spring to retain the arm at one end of the lost-motion connection. v

29.'In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided with an opening, a plate hingedly mounted adjacent one of the edges of the opening, and means to swing the plateinto extended signaling position, said meanscomprising an electro-magnet, an armature in the magnetic field, a projecting arm on the armature, a link connected near one end to the armature through a lost-motion connection and at the other end pivotally connected to the plate, and a spring'to retain the arm at one end of the lost-motion connection, the energizing of the magnet moving the arm and the link to the other end of the lost-motion connection.

30. In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided with an opening, a plate hingedly mounted adjacent one of the edges of the opening, and means to swing the plate into an extended signaling posi-- tion, said means comprising an electro-magnet, an armature in the magnetic field, a projecting arm on the armature, a link connected near one end to the armature through a lost-motion connection and at the other end pivotally connected to the late, and a spring to retain the arm at one end of the lost-motion connection, the interrelations of the parts beingsuch that the energizing of the magnet moves the arm and the link to the other end of the lost-motion connection and. brings an intermediate portion of the link against the hinge which mounts one of the plates adjacent an edge of the opening.

31. In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided with an opening. a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing, one plate being mounted adjacent one of the edges of the opening, and means to swing the plates into either an extended signaling position or into a closed position, said means comprising anelectro-magnet, an armature in the magnetic field, a projecting arm on the armature, a link connected near one end to the armature through a lost-motion connection and at the other end pivotally connected to oneof the plates, a catch mechanism having cooperative parts on the arm and on one of the plates respectively,

and a spring to retain the armat one end of the lost-motion connection and the catch mechanism in locked position, the interrelations of the parts being such that the energizing of the magnet moves the arm and the link to the other end of the lost-motion connection.

' 32. In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided with an opening, a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing, one plate being mounted adjacent one of the edges of the opening, and means to swing the plates into either an extended signaling position or into a closed position, said means comprising an electromagnet, an armature in the magnetic field, a projecting arm on the armature, a link connected near one end to the armature through a lost-motion connection and at the other end pivotally connected to one of the plates, a catch mechanism having cooperative parts on the arm and on one of the plates respectively, and a spring to retain the arm at one end of the lost-motion connection and the catch locked position, the interrelation of the parts being such that the energizing of the magnet moves the arm and the link to the other end of the lost-motion connection and brings an intermediate portion of the link against the hinge which mounts one of the plates adjacent an edge of the opening.

33. In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided with an opening and having an end wall, a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing, being mounted adjacent an edge of the opening in the side wall, an electr'omagn.et car ried on an end plate and located within the casing, an armature for the electro-magnet, interconnections between thearmature and plates to swing them into an. extended signaling position or into a closed position whereby they close the opening, an electric lamp supported from the'casing and projectlng outside of the opening in the casing into a position to illuminate the plates when in signaling position and to be obscured by th plates when in closed position, the plates when in closed position being at a dihedral angle to one another whereby they accommodate the projecting lamp.

34. In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided with an opening and having an end wall, a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing, one plate being mounted adjacent an edge of the opening in the side wall, an electro-magnet carried on an endplate and located within the underneath the top wall mechanism in one plate casing, an armature for the electro-magnet, interconnections between the armature and plates to swing them into an extended signaling position or into a closed position whereby they close the opening, an electric lamp supported from the casing and projecting outside of the opening inthe casing into a position to illuminate the plates when in signaling'position and to be'obscured by the plates when in closed position, the plates When in closed position being at a dihedral angle to one another whereby they accommodate the projecting lamp, and a springcontrolled mechanism adapted to lock the plates in closed position when the magnet is de-energized.

35. In a signal apparatus, a casing having sid walls provided with an opening and having a top wall, a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing,one plate being mounted adjacent an edge of the opening in the side wall, an electro-magnet suspended and carried within the casing, an armature for theelectromagnet, interconnections between the armature and plates to swing them into an .extended signaling position or into a closed position whereby they closethe opening, an electric lamp underneath the electro-ma'gnet and projecting out of the side of the opening in the casing into a position to illuminate Q the plates when in signaling positionand to be obscured by the plates when in closed position, the plates when in closed position being at a dihedral angle to one another whereby they accommodate the projecting lamp, and a spring-controlled mechanism adapted to lock the plates in closed position when the. magnet is de energized. 36. In a signal apparatus, a casing having side walls provided withan opening and having a top wall, a pair of plates hingedly associated with the casing, one plate being mounted adjacent an edge of the opening in the side wall, an electro-magnet suspended underneath the top wall and carried within the casing, an armature for the electro-magnet, interconnections between the armature and plates to swing them. into an extended signaling position or into a closed position whereby they close the opening, an electric lamp underneath the electro-magnet in a. position to illuminate the plates when in signaling position and to be obscured by the plates when in closed position, and a spring-controlled mechanism adapted to lock the plates in closed position when the magnet is de-energized.

TIMOT Y B. POWERS. 

